Fig. 7: A working model shows that α7-nAChRs play a role in switching from autophagy to apoptosis in cartilage degradation of osteoarthritis (OA). | Cell Death & Disease

Fig. 7: A working model shows that α7-nAChRs play a role in switching from autophagy to apoptosis in cartilage degradation of osteoarthritis (OA).

From: Stimulation of α7-nAChRs coordinates autophagy and apoptosis signaling in experimental knee osteoarthritis

Fig. 7

In OA, some factors such as inflammatory cytokines can cause phosphorylation of mTOR in chondrocytes and switch autophagy to Bax/Bcl2/caspase-3‒mediated mitochondrial apoptosis, resulting in cartilage degradation. Activation of α7-nAChRs could inhibit the phosphorylation of mTOR, promote autophagic flux, and prevent cartilage degradation.

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